Sports Direct boss: I did pay less than minimum wage

Sports Direct boss Mike Ashley has admitted he paid workers below the minimum wage, also telling British MPs he has discovered “issues” with working practices at the retailer as part of an internal review.

Mr Ashley told MPs from the Business Select Committee that security guards at the company’s Shirebrook warehouse held up staff from leaving, meaning they were effectively paid less than the minimum wage.

MPs are investigating working practices at Sports Direct’s warehouse, including poor conditions, use of controversial zero-hours contracts, and payment procedures.